Lawyer: Former Schools Chief Innocent

A lawyer for Beverly Hall says the former Atlanta Public Schools superintendent is innocent and looks forward to having her day in court.

Richard Deane said in an interview with The Associated Press Wednesday that the charges against Hall are excessive and that there is no factual basis for them.

Hall served as superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools for more than a decade. She and 34 subordinates were indicted by a Fulton County grand jury last month.

The indictment alleges a broad conspiracy to cheat, hide cheating or retaliate against whistleblowers in an effort to bolster student test scores. Many received bonuses for improved student performance as a result.

Deane says Hall is eager to defend herself in court. He says he believes she will be cleared of all charges.